DP World ILT20 impresses former greats Gatting and Langer

DUBAI: DP World ILT20 concluded at the weekend with Gulf Giants making history by becoming the first-ever champions of the tournament.

Gulf Giants defeated Desert Vipers by seven wickets in the final at the Dubai International Stadium.

The grand finale of the DP World ILT20 was graced by two cricket legends — former England captain Mike Gatting and former Australia player and coach Justin Langer.

Gatting, who is also the chairman of the MCC World Cricket Committee, spoke highly of the tournament and the standard of cricket which was on display in the month-long event held across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

“The cricket is always good here in Dubai and it’s always nice to be here in the city. I’ve been to the Dubai International Stadium once or twice and the stadium always keeps improving. The ground looked lovely during the final. The UAE has always produced some really good players. It doesn’t surprise me that the DP World ILT20 has gone well. And cricket of very high merit was played in the UAE.”

Gatting also said that the numerous franchise T20 tournaments are great for cricket lovers. “There are some fantastic T20 players all around the world. And it’s interesting to see how the tournaments are springing up all around the globe. This is great for the cricket lovers. It’s great to see families and kids at the T20 tournaments,” he said.

Speaking about the DP World ILT20, Langer said: “I have worn all caps in cricket. I was a player then I became a coach, and now I am a broadcaster. I am also working with the MCC World Cricket Committee. I’ve seen all the different perspectives in cricket. Anywhere we see entertaining cricket and players getting an opportunity to showcase their skills and talent is nothing but positive.”

The former coach also reminisced Australia’s ICC T20 World Cup 2021 victory in Dubai. “It’s always a great place to come and play cricket or come and watch cricket. It’s a magnificent stadium. We won the T20 World Cup when I was here last time. So, I’ve great memories here.”